How to Paint & Style an Old Front Door

Choose the right color for your front door. This will go a long way toward creating the "style" for your door. Classic colors for the door include black, red and earthy colors like gray-blue and natural brown. If you're trying to give your old door a new style, consider an unexpected and bright color like eggplant, bright blue or bright yellow.

Remove the door from its hinges and remove the hardware on the door, including the knocker and the doorknob. Use a screwdriver. Now is the time to replace these items, if you wish to do so. By replacing the knocker and the doorknob, you give your old door a new, fresh appearance. Door hardware can usually be bought at a hardware store or at a home improvement store. The hardware on your door should have a matching finish--meaning both should be made from the same type of metal.

Clean the door using a damp rag and detergent. Sand any flaking paint off the door so the surface of the door is smooth.

Fill in any cracks and holes in the door with putty, then sand it smooth so it is flush with the edge of the door.

Paint the door with exterior primer. Paint from the inside out, using a flat brush or angled sash brush. If your door is completely flat, use a roller. Paint the edges of the door, as well as both sides.

Paint the door with your chosen color, using the same procedure that you used to apply the primer to the door.

Wait for the paint to dry on the door before reattaching the knocker and doorknob or before installing the new knocker and door knob. Reattach the door to the door frame.